The best D-Day dramatization

Rating: 9/10 (25 April 2002)

I like this version of the D-Day WW2 Normandy landings the best. You get to see both sides of the conflict; from the Allied and German perspectives. Unlike most 60s/70s epics, the multi-national all-star cast is actually an asset in this film. They show the various incidents and locations a lot clearer than an whole heap of unknowns would. The characters sound very sincere and involved, with a good mix of comedy and tragedy.
This was Hollywood honcho Darryl Zanuck's pet project for an anti-war drama, and it works very well. And the title music by talented music artist Paul Anka is very catchy. Sure, this hasn't got the high gross-out impact for a post-Vietnam audience that certain later efforts do (How could it?); but at dramatizing the situation, this is a lot easier to follow.
I would strongly recommend that you try and see the colorized version as it's a lot easier to watch; especially in noticing scenic details and when reading the subtitles. (There's absolutely nothing worse that trying to read white subtitles on a white background!!!)